20 days of hairstyles day 12 🩷

Hey everyone! So, as part of my '20 Days of Hairstyles' series, Day 12 has quickly become a standout favorite: combining those effortlessly cool beach waves with delicate small front braids. I've been absolutely obsessed with this look, and I just had to share more tips on how to truly perfect it! Why do these two styles work so well together? For me, it's about adding a touch of bohemian chic to that classic relaxed wave. It frames the face beautifully and gives an otherwise simple style a bit of an edge. I've found it's perfect for everything from a casual day out to a summer evening event, bringing that 'beachy waves braids' vibe to life. Let's talk waves first. To get those perfect, alternating curls and waves like I did, preparation is key. I always start with a good heat protectant, especially if I'm using a curling iron. For that true 'beach' vibe, I love spritzing in a sea salt spray before I even touch the heat. When I curl, I make sure to alternate the direction of each curl – one towards my face, one away – and always leave the very ends out for a more natural, undone look. If you prefer heatless, overnight braids are a fantastic way to wake up with natural waves, which you can then enhance with a texturizing spray, creating perfect 'braided waves'. Now, for the star of the show: those small front braids! They add so much charm and really elevate the 'beach waves with braid' look. I usually take a small section of hair near my temple, just enough to create a delicate braid. You can do a simple three-strand braid, or for a slightly flatter, more intricate look, a mini Dutch braid works wonders. The trick is not to braid too tightly initially, keeping it relaxed to blend seamlessly with your waves. And the 'no elastic braid hack' I mentioned? It's a total game-changer for 'beach wave braids'! Instead of a tiny clear elastic that can sometimes snag or be visible, here's what I do: once I've braided to the end, I take the very last strand of hair and gently tuck it under a neighboring section of hair, securing it with a tiny bobby pin that matches my hair color. You can also carefully weave the end of the braid back into the main hair mass and secure it with a tiny pin. Another favorite method is to braid the very tip super tightly for about half an inch, then gently pull and loosen the rest of the braid. The tight tip often holds itself without any elastic! It creates such a clean finish for your 'braid waves'. To finish, I always give my hair a good shake and then lightly mist with a flexible hold hairspray. Sometimes, a little more texturizing spray at the roots and through the waves helps maintain volume throughout the day. Don't be afraid to pull apart the waves a bit with your fingers to make them look even more lived-in and natural, giving you those perfect 'beachy waves with braids'. Whether you're exploring new looks for summer or just want a quick, adorable style, this 'beach waves with braids' combo is definitely one to try. It's surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it, and the 'no elastic' trick makes it feel even more polished. Give it a go and let me know how you like it!